Mercury acquires Nicole Ohlde

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The Phoenix Mercury today announced its acquisition of Nicole Ohlde from the Minnesota Lynx in exchange for guard Kelly Miller and second-year center LaToya Pringle.

“We were thrilled about the opportunity to pick up a player that we’ve had our eyes on for a few seasons now,” said Mercury general manager Ann Meyers Drysdale. “We’re certain that Nicole’s size and athletic ability will increase our ability to defend and score in the middle.”

“We strongly feel that Nicole will be able to contribute on both ends of the floor in our fast-paced system,” said Mercury head coach Corey Gaines. “With Tangela Smith at center, Nicole’s post defense will help fortify the middle and take pressure off of Tangela. To lose Kelly is very tough, as she’s been an important contributor to our success the past few seasons, but we wish her the best in her home state of Minnesota.”

Originally drafted by Minnesota with the sixth overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft, the 6-5 Ohlde enters her sixth season in the WNBA. She has started every game of her career (170) for the Lynx and owns career averages of 10.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 25.9 minutes per game. The Kansas State product graduated in 2004 as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,241 career points, and remains the only Wildcat, male or female, to record at least 2,000 points, 900 rebounds, 300 assists and 200 steals.

“I'm very excited about the opportunity to play for the Mercury,” said Ohlde. “I'm looking forward to starting a new chapter in my career and working with this world-class organization. I'm anxious for the season to get started and to contribute in whatever ways I can to help bring the championship back to Phoenix.”

The Phoenix Mercury tips off a summer of savings on Saturday, June 6. The Mercury will take on the San Antonio Silver Stars at 7 p.m. at US Airways Center. Lower-level season tickets for all 18 home games start at under $10 per game. For tickets and information, visit phoenixmercury.com or call (602) 252-WNBA.